The Best Workout Leggings of 2024 for Every Run, Walk and Workout In Between
Alphalete
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The search for the perfect workout leggings starts with hope but often ends with overwhelming frustration as you look at an endless sea of tight pants. However, we’ve found the pairs that don’t snag, slip or play peek-a-boo while you do squats. The best workout leggings are soft, comfortable and opaque no matter what stretch or exercise you’re doing.
Workout leggings are typically designed for specific activities, like running, yoga or lounging around the house. Our best workout leggings list has pairs that let you lounge to compression, running and leggings on the cheap. We considered fabric, seam design, breathability and of course, opacity. Many of these leggings come in various lengths, sizes and colors and all of them are made of fabrics that feel scrumptious against the skin.
Our Picks for the Best Workout Leggings in 2024:
- Best Overall: Lululemon Align High-Rise
- Best Full-Length Workout Leggings: Gymshark Sweat Seamless Leggings
- Best Squat-Proof Leggings: NoBull High-Rise Matte Tight
- Best High-Rise Workout Leggings: Alphalete Amplify Legging
- Best Breathable Workout Leggings: Nike Go Leggings
- Best Workout Leggings for Pilates: adidas Optime Training Leggings
- Best Yoga Pants: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28”
- Best Workout Leggings for Lounging: Athleta Transcend 7/8 Tight
- Best Workout Leggings on Amazon: Ododos Yoga Leggings with Pockets
Best Overall: Lululemon Align High-Rise
lululemon
Key features:
- Length: Full
- Material: Nylon, Lycra
- Sizes available: 0–20
Lululemon’s legendary leggings are hard to ignore when you’re making a “best of” list. The Lululemon Align Pant has a versatile design that fits sizes 0 to 20. They’re made of a buttery soft nylon and Lycra blend called Nulu fabric that stretches and conforms to the body while offering light ankle compression. The Lycra, a name brand of elastane, adds shape retention, giving the leggings durability. The fabric's four-way stretch allows these lightweight leggings to move with the body.
There is a high-rise waistband that smooths the body, and one of our favorite features is the length choices. These leggings come in 25 and 28-inch inseams, which works for shorter women and those who get too warm in full-length leggings. There are 18 color options; however, one downside is the price—you’ll drop around $100 per pair.
Pros:
- Excellent size range
- Buttery soft, four-way stretch fabric
- Three length options
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Full-Length Workout Leggings: Gymshark Sweat Seamless Leggings
Gymshark
Key features:
- Length: Full
- Material: Nylon, elastane, polyester
- Sizes available: XS–XXL
The Gymshark Sweat Seamless Leggings are made with the patented DYNMC fabric and have a ribbed, shaped waistband for maximum coverage while you squat, deadlift and more. This material is durable and comfortable and is designed to help manage temperature, sweat and odor so you feel confident focusing on your form. There is eyelet detailing on the back of the thighs, knees and calves for maximum breathability.
These leggings are 9 percent elastane, which supports a four-way stretch design, so you don’t feel restricted. The Sweat Seamless Leggings are also an ideal choice for other movements and workouts that require a full range of motion, such as lunges, deadlifts, HIIT classes, yoga and more. There are four color options and reviewers on the Gymshark website rate these as comfortable and high-quality.
Pros:
- Versatile, can be used for other types of workouts and movements
- Breathable fabric is designed to keep you cool
- Discreet Sharkhead logo
Cons:
- Color options are limited
Best Squat-Proof Leggings: NoBull High-Rise Matte Tight
NOBULL
Key features:
- Length: Full
- Material: Polyester, spandex
- Sizes available: XS–XXL
The NoBull High-Rise Matte Tight is made with 87 percent polyester and 13 percent spandex—allowing for a good balance of stretch and durability. Polyester is known for its ability to provide opacity, and spandex adds recovery and stretch while you squat, so privacy is not compromised. The matte finish scatters light instead of reflecting it to also help obscure what’s beneath. This fabric is also resistant to wrinkles and abrasion to help maintain the integrity of the leggings over time.
These full-length leggings have a high waist to support the core and lower back, promoting stability and posture. It also helps the leggings stay in place, so you won’t have to adjust them between reps or during an intense training session. There are flat-lock seams to reduce friction and add durability. Reviewers on the NoBull website describe the leggings as soft, stretchy and breathable.
Pros:
- Matte finish helps with opacity
- Lined gusset provides extra protection
- Reflective branding for visibility
Cons:
- No pockets
- Expensive
Best High-Rise Workout Leggings: Alphalete Amplify Legging
Alphalete
Key features:
- Length: Full
- Material: Polyamide, polyester, elastane
- Sizes available: XXS–XXL
As a brand, Alphalete combines function and comfort with a dash of aesthetics that’s hard to ignore. The Amplify Leggings feature a silky smooth fabric made of polyamide, polyester and elastane in a snug cut that accentuates and enhances the curves. The high-waist three-tiered waistband tapers as it extends to the top, creating a secure and comfortable fit. There is also ruching in the back that highlights natural curves to give wearers a rounded, sleek appearance.
These leggings fall on the tight side with contouring panels on the legs and glutes, and there is no front seam to ensure a comfortable fit. The fabric has a touch of compression, supporting wearers but not constricted. We like that they come in 29 colors and seven sizes. Women of all shapes and sizes deserve to look and feel good while they work out. We want to note that the Amplify leggings are pricey, which may be limiting for some. However, polyamide and polyester are durable and resistant to stretching, and elastane can help these leggings maintain long-term shape.
Pros:
- Ultra-high rise waistband offers more body control
- Balance of compression and stretch for a comfortable fit
- Back ruching accentuates curves
- Lots of color choices
Cons:
- Non-black colors can show sweat
Best Breathable Workout Leggings: Nike Go Leggings
Nike
Key features:
- Length: Full
- Material: Nylon, spandex
- Sizes available: XXS–XXL
The Go Leggings by Nike have Infinalock fabric that feels lightweight but supportive with full compression. This material uses Nike's Dri-Fit technology, a high-performance microfiber construction that wicks away sweat dispersing it across the surface to keep you cool and free of chafing. Nike says that these leggings are squat-proof, and the Go Leggings have an extra wide waistband to reduce movement. That means the fabric moves with you without sliding or catching as you go through your workout.
These leggings come in mid-rise or high-rise and the waistband has a front smoothing panel to streamline silhouettes. There are also six pockets including one zip pocket, two seamless side pockets and three drop-in pockets at the back waist. The Go Leggings come in five color options and 14 size options, including tall sizes for those who need some extra length.
Pros:
- Lightweight, stretchy fabric
- Moisture-wicking and breathable
- Six pockets for all the essentials
Cons:
- Firm support may feel too compressive to some
Best Workout Leggings for Pilates: adidas Optime Training Leggings
adidas
Key features:
- Length: Full
- Material: Recycled polyester, elastane
- Sizes available: XS–2XL
Known across the athletic community, adidas takes its shoe expertise deeper into the fitness industry to make leggings that accentuate any pair of gym shoes. The Optime Training Leggings come in two colors and are made of a compressive polyester and elastane blend used for adidas’ AEROREADY technology. This provides sweat-wicking and moisture-management without trapping excess heat.
The seamless sides reduce chafing and retain a smooth silhouette, and the high-rise waistband offers coverage so you feel comfortable throughout your workout. The fabric also has a four-way stretch, ideal for pilates and other types of exercise like cardio, weight training and yoga. We like that the Optime Training Leggings are made with at least 70 percent recycled materials to help reduce waste. Some reviews on the adidas website mention the waist rolling down, but many note these are lightweight, functional and comfortable.
Pros:
- Wick away moisture well
- Comfortable, soft fabric
- Elastane helps maintain shape and elasticity over time
Cons:
- Only two color options available
Best Yoga Pants: Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28”
lululemon
Key features:
- Length: 28 inches (23, 25 and 31-inch options also available)
- Material: Nylon, Lycra
- Sizes available: 0–20
Lululemon’s buttery soft leggings are a highly sought-after item, whether for workouts or lounging. The Align High-Rise Pant falls into the buttery category and comes in 15 colors and 11 sizes. The colors also include textured and patterned options, and these leggings also come in 28 and 31-inch inseam designs if you’re taller or prefer longer leggings.
We love these high-waist yoga pants for their comfortable, non-sheer fabric. The softness of the fabric lets you relax deeply into your yoga practice without any distractions. You can fully focus on your breathing and body position and forget about what you’re wearing.
They’re made of Nulu fabric, which has a four-way stretch, high breathability and sweat-wicking abilities. The blended fabric also contains Lycra to help the leggings hold their shape over time. If you want to wear them out of the house, they have a hidden pocket at the waistband that’s large enough for a key or ID card. But they’re pricey.
Pros:
- Lightweight, soft fabric
- Breathable and sweat-wicking
- Comes in 11 sizes and three lengths
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Workout Leggings for Lounging: Athleta Transcend 7/8 Tight
Athleta
Key features:
- Length: 7/8
- Material: Nylon, Lycra
- Sizes available: XXS–XXXL
Leggings aren’t just for workouts. Their soft, stretchy fabrics are super comfortable for days around the house or trips to the store and the Athleta Transcend 7/8 Tights look and feel luxurious enough for any kind of activity. They’re made of Vitafree, an ultralight Lycra fiber that feels like a second skin. They’re seam-free to reduce (or eliminate) rubbing and chafing. Of course, we like that the fabric is moisture-wicking to keep you cool and comfortable, too.
The Transcend Tights also have a hidden pocket in the waistband for a key or ID. For those who like to spend their leisure time in the sun, the Transcend Leggings are also rated SPF 50+, giving you added sun protection. A high-rise waist keeps them from cutting into the skin, and Athleta makes these leggings in regular, tall and petite, offering fits for different sizes and shapes. While these leggings have compression, it’s lighter compression than some reviewers on the Athleta website would like, “They are thinner and have less compression. I need something that will take me from work to work out. These were not it, unfortunately.”
Pros:
- Buttery soft material
- Comes in regular, tall and petite
- Rate SPF 50+
Cons:
- Light compression might not be enough for everyone
Best Workout Leggings on Amazon: Ododos Yoga Leggings with Pockets
ODODOS
Key features:
- Length: 7/8, full
- Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester, spandex
- Sizes Available: XS–XXXL
You might not be as familiar with Ododos as you are with some of the other legging brands on our list. However, this lesser-known brand is a hit with Amazon customers. These affordable leggings come in a whopping 53 colors and patterns, some of which are fleece-lined.
That being said, not all colors and patterns are available in all sizes, and the blended fabric doesn’t offer anything in the way of compression. However, the four-way stretch moves with the body for high and low-intensity workouts. For the price, it’s hard to beat what you get. Plus, you can buy pairs in almost any color. Reviewers on Amazon.com report that the thick fabric is squat-proof, which basically means you can do squats without anything underneath showing through.
A couple of things to consider—reviewers on Amazon also state that these leggings are easy to snag and attract hair and lint more than some other fabrics.
Pros:
- 53 color and pattern options
- Affordable price
- Comfortable, stretchy fabric
Cons:
- Reviews mention they run big
How to Choose the Best Workout Leggings for You
Fit
Leggings should fit like a second skin, naturally moving with your body. The right fit should let you forget about your clothes to focus on your workout. However, bodies are not all the same. You know your body best and might need to look for specific fit features to better accommodate your figure.
For example, women with a smaller waist and wider hips may need a brand that carries a curvy fit or high-rise tights that have a drawstring waistband. However, a woman with an athletic build with a smaller waist-to-hip ratio may find a curvy fit too tight in the waist and loose at the hips.
Related Post: The Best Running Tights for Men
Height
Your height can also make a difference. A regular-length legging may be too long for a petite woman and a woman who’s taller than average may find a regular-length legging too short. One may need a petite, while the other requires a legging with a tall option.
Compression
Compression also factors into fit. Most leggings have some level of compression, though, for some, it’s so light you’ll hardly notice. Others have compression that’s tight enough to require a special entry and exit procedure. The compression level should feel comfortable to you while you’re doing your primary activity. For example, compression running leggings might be too tight to wear around the house, but once you’re on the run, they feel amazing because they reduce muscle movement. In short, the fit should complement the legging’s function.
Related Post: The Best Compression Shorts for Runners
Waist height
A high rise or high waist legging comes above the belly button. These offer extra support and smoothing and often stay in place better during high-intensity workouts, like running and HIIT workouts. A mid-rise waistband sits at or just below the belly button. Some people find them more comfortable because they feel more like a regular pair of pants. However, they are prone to slipping. A mid-rise is often a better choice for workouts that are less intense and have a smaller range of motion. They may also be a good choice for an athleisure look when you’re lounging around the house.
Style
Leggings should flatter your figure and accentuate your body. Fit plays a big role in that, but so do style features like color and cut. Note that darker colors tend to show less sweat than light colors and they resist dreaded see-through fiascos. Patterns can also hide sweat and what’s underneath your leggings to help maintain your style in the midst of a workout.
Cut, as in the location of seams, can also make a big difference in style and comfort. Seam location can slim your figure or play a more active role in performance by enhancing compression. Seams can also cause chafing when doing repetitive activities, like running. The fewer the seams, the less likely you are to chafe. However, extra seams can streamline your appearance and provide added strength for stronger compression.
If you want a cohesive look, many brands create matching sports bras to go with their workout leggings. A matching set might boost your confidence as you sweat it out at the gym or on the trail.
Material
The most common legging materials are various forms of polyester, elastane (sometimes known as spandex or the brand name Lycra) and nylon. Brands that prefer natural materials may also use wool, cotton or bamboo blend fabrics. Some brands incorporate materials like silver or copper to add antibacterial properties to the leggings.
The percentages of these materials affect the feel and function of the leggings. It might take some trial and error to find the fabrics that feel best to you. Take note of not only how the fabric feels but how well it wears over time. A higher elastane or spandex percentage increases compression while different types of polyester better wick sweat or add softness to the leggings.
Length
Length preference is a matter of comfort and activity. The most common lengths include:
- Full: Full-length leggings cover the ankle bones. They’re definitely a favorite for the colder months and for those who prefer more coverage while they work out. Thicker variations or those with a fleece lining are good for outdoor workouts in places where the temperatures hover around freezing during the winter.
- 7/8: A 7/8 legging falls just above the ankle bone. They’re slightly less warm because of the exposed ankle but still offer almost full coverage. They’re also a good choice for petite frames or those with shorter legs for whom full leggings might be too long.
- 3/4: The 3/4 legging isn’t quite as common as the 7/8 or capri lengths and it falls in between the two. However, they’re still a popular length for those who prefer a little less coverage or for women who find a capri or 7/8 length falls in an awkward place because of their height or build.
- Capri: Capris hit just below the knee. Go for a capri if you want a little more ventilation but aren’t quite ready to wear bike shorts.
Activities
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is when and where you want to wear the leggings. Leggings are usually designed for specific sports or activities with design features that cater to that sport or activity. Pick a legging that’s designed for the activity you do most or the one for which you’re buying them. You don’t need a high-priced, high-compression workout legging if you’ll be wearing them around town or doing yoga.
Related Post: The Best Running Shorts for Every Athlete
Leggings for yoga, barre and pilates aren’t usually high in compression. They also tend to be made of softer materials and may have folded waistbands. Running pants or leggings are designed for the high wear and friction created when running. These often have compression to reduce muscle movement, too.
Other Factors To Consider
- Mesh panels and cutouts: Mesh panels and cutouts serve a dual purpose. First, they add ventilation, reducing heat build-up and potentially sweat marks. Cutouts and mesh panels also bring a sense of style. If you’re tired of plain colors or even prints, cutouts and panels can bring variety and personality to your workout clothes.
- Pockets: For pockets, we follow the old saying, the more the merrier. Pockets store keys, ID, phones and anything else you need while you work out. Some leggings have a hidden pocket or two in the waistband. Others have side pockets on the outside of the leggings. Some have both. If you want to leave running belts or backpacks at home, a legging with lots of pockets is the way to go.
- Reflective elements: For those who exercise outside, reflective elements are a huge bonus. These make you more visible to vehicles at dawn and dusk when visibility might be compromised.
- Drawstrings: Some leggings have a drawstring so you can adjust the waist. For people who have a larger waist-to-hip ratio, a drawstring can help your leggings fit better. A drawstring can also simply be a way to ensure the leggings don’t slip during your workout.
How We Chose the Best Workout Leggings
- Fabric content and quality: Legging fabrics should be both high-quality and sturdy. You put a lot of stress on your clothing when you’re working out. We wanted fabrics that could look amazing even after a lot of wear and tear. We considered quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics as well as those made of recycled water bottles for eco-friendly options.
- Style and cut: Styles and cuts that flatter a wide range of figures and frames made us more likely to include the leggings on our list. Everyone deserves to look and feel great in their leggings.
- Color and size options: A wide range of options gives people of different sizes and shapes an opportunity to find leggings that work for their body types and activities. Fun colors and patterns aren’t an absolute must, but we like options. For some people, fun, brightly colored leggings can be a workout motivator.
Workout Leggings FAQs
Should you wash workout leggings after every workout?
The answer is yes for some and no for others. A number of factors affect whether or not you need to wash your leggings after each workout. If you sweat a lot, then yes, you probably should wash your leggings. If not, they (and you) will smell.
However, if your workout was light and you didn’t get very sweaty, you might get a few wears out of them before the leggings need washing. The climate can make a difference too. People who live in drier climates can hang their leggings to dry out in between wearings, while people in more humid climates may find that their leggings won’t dry out. Musty leggings aren’t wearable, so daily washing might be in order.
How do you wash Lululemon leggings?
Regardless of which fabric your Lululemon leggings are, you should machine wash them in cold water with similar fabrics on a gentle cycle, avoiding the use of fabric softeners. You can either hang them to dry or tumble dry on low.
Can I wear regular leggings to the gym?
You can wear regular leggings to the gym if you’re doing a light, low-impact workout, but we don’t recommend it. Regular leggings don’t wick sweat, which could leave you hotter (and smellier) than usual. Regular leggings aren’t designed for the friction and stress of a workout, so they may wear out faster if worn for exercise. Additionally, if you wear regular leggings, you’ll miss out on the extra pockets and compression that usually come with workout leggings.
Related Post: Best Workout Hoodies
What's the difference between regular leggings and activewear leggings?
Regular leggings are not compressive so, in general, they’re more comfortable as everyday or loungewear. Workout leggings feature high-quality, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool while you work out. They also tend to have thicker, more durable fabrics to take the friction and stress of repetitive movements.
Is it better to size up or down in workout leggings?
Sizing up or down in workout leggings depends on your personal comfort preferences. If you want tighter compression, sizing down will definitely give it to you. Consider that you might get uncomfortable in the waist if you size down too much. Size up if you prefer lighter compression and a looser waistband. You’ll know you’ve sized up too much if the leggings start slipping.
Final Thoughts
The ideal workout leggings for you should feel super soft and make you excited to work out. They can also enhance your performance or at the very least, help you focus on performance without worrying about what you’re wearing. The best workout leggings should pass a squat test, make it through sweaty workouts and get you comfortably through yoga class.
Our top picks also include leggings that make a fashion statement and collect a serious amount of five-star reviews. You can find pairs in a rainbow of colors and patterns for everyday wear and every type of workout. Whether you’re size XXS or plus-size, there are a pair of leggings for everybody. Know your activity, your preferred compression level and you’ll end up with a pair of workout leggings you’ll want to wear for everything.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
